Ireland to host Sri Lanka

Ireland will host Sri Lanka for the first time in 35 years when the two teams meet in a two-match one-day international series in May.

The games will be played on May 6 and 8 at Clontarf in Dublin after Ireland have completed their tour of the West Indies and competed in the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh.

"It's great news for both the team and supporters," said Ireland coach Phil

Simmon.

"We'll be gearing our preparation towards the 2015 World Cup, and this series is ideal."

Ireland are yet to beat a full-member nation in the 50-over format in Dublin, but they tied with Pakistan last year - before narrowly losing the second game - and they were then edged out by England at Malahide.

"We'll be looking to take our cricket to the next level in 2014 by winning from these type of situations, pressing home our advantage when we're on top," Simmons said.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for our squad to face players of the calibre of